Cross-cultural communication

Being aware of - and sensitive to - cultural differences when communicating with people from different backgrounds encourages mutual respect. Recognising both the differences and similarities between cultures is an effective way to engage in specific contexts, as it adds a different perspective on how to approach matters in a way that is acceptable and appreciated by all parties involved. With diversity an increasingly important factor in today’s workplace, business environments are expanding their employee portfolio by including professionals from various geographic locations, religions and cultures. The more diverse an environment is, the more important it is to be aware of potential cultural issues. Appropriate and efficient cross-cultural communication is vital to strengthen teams, increase collaboration and boost productivity.

Coming from a business of over 20 different nationalities bound by English as a common language of business, recognising that not everyone speaks in English as their first language is a critical first step. Communicating clearly and simply makes it easier for others to understand your point of view and helps avoid misunderstandings. The less words used, the more straightforward the message tends to be. Whether spoken or written, long sentences with difficult words are likely to confuse receivers whose first language is not English. Reaching a common conclusion can be very challenging if the desired goal is unclear! Clearly, this must not mean dumbing down to the point where people feel like they’re being mocked. Be careful with dead languages – it is amazing how many people use Latin phrases without understanding what they mean!

Listening actively when communicating shows interest in the matter being discussed and respect for the person (or people) you are conversing with. When the other party feels heard and seen while being honest and speaking their mind, it creates a safe space for open discussion and authenticity. The more comfortable people are sharing their true opinions, the easier it is to understand where they are coming from. That level of comprehension and mutual respect has a number of positive outcomes: it builds team morale; positively impacts productivity; and reduces the likelihood of disagreements (and makes conversations smoother and less antagonistic even during any disagreements).

Being conscious of non-verbal communication is critical. Different cultures practice different gestures to communicate messaging that might not be acceptable to other cultures. For example, initiating a handshake with a woman from the GCC is often not culturally appropriate. Visiting a senior manager in Japan on your own is a sign of disrespect, not a good way to build rapport on an individual level. Don’t be late for a meeting with a German (and never wish them an early happy birthday)! When shaking hands with an Arab or offering or talking a business card or food, wherever possible use your right hand. Understanding the tolerance for certain non-verbal gestures while dealing with a culture that is not your own may save you from awkward situations.

Embracing your own culture while being aware of others’ broadens perspectives. It gives a wider view of the world and how to navigate it gracefully. The more in sync you are with your surroundings, the easier it gets to go about your day-to-day life. And the less time we have to invest in correcting mistakes that we make unintentionally, the more productive we can all be - both personally and professionally.